Newly converted van designed and built by architectural designer and engineer couple. We lived full time in our own converted van for several years from 2015 to 2019 (not this van), and we designed this one with all of the upgrades we would have wished for based on our experience on the road. This build is brand new, we’ve just taken it on two short test trips to work out any kinks.
Vehicle:
- 2006 Ford E-150,
- V8 / 5.4L engine, RWD
- 57,030 miles
- Clean title in hand
- 20mpg fully loaded on the highway
- Tow hitch
- Brand new starter battery
- This van had carpeted protective panels professionally-installed when it was new, which kept it in great condition and virtually scratch-free from the inside (it was previously used by a private investigator who surveilled from the back while stationary most of the time, which is why it has so few miles)
- Drives very strong. This van will last a long while!
- Backup camera
- Power locks
- Manual windows
- A/C blows cold
Build features:
Living:
- Full-sized bed converts within seconds to double-sided couch without having to rearrange cushions or re-make bedding every night (new Linenspa 5” memory foam mattress)
- Convenient side-door access to sink for easy washing, water jug refill, and grey water emptying. Faucet has retractable hose and can pivot to be used at side door.
- Optional Thetford 135 portable toilet (unused)
- Push-to-open hide-away worktop table
- All drawers and cabinets easily and securely lock
- MaxxAir fan 5100 fan (has 10-speeds and reverse airflow option)
- Skylight above bed for natural light without sacrificing privacy and for a passive-airflow option
- Custom blackout back window curtains and cab partition curtain with easy magnetic attachments (made with insulating material)
- Cork board for customized decor
Cooking:
- Cooking drawer with new Eureka Ignite double burner stove, storage for pots/pans below, and fuel bottle storage compartment in back of drawer. Cooking drawer is designed to be used while sitting at the bench/table, but can easily be moved around to cook outside for example.
Plumbing/Water:
- Two new Reliance 6 gallon water jugs below sink (12 gallons total)
- Sink drains to grey water jug below sink
- Shurflo 4008 water pump below sink, controlled with switch above sink
- Hand pump sprayer in back for easy gear-rinse and/or showers (we found this incredibly useful and water-efficient in our past vanlife!)
Open storage:
- Several open storage cabinets (removable shelving in tall closed cabinet)
- Tall cabinet with removable shelving
- Flip-top deep storage to the right of sink (above passenger-side wheel well)
- Upper cabinet above sink
- Extra storage in toilet drawer
- Open middle drawer (between stove drawer and toilet drawer)
- Open drawer above fridge/cooler drawer
- If fridge/cooler is not needed, you can easily place bins in drawer for extra storage
- Open gear storage under bed (accessed from back doors)
Electrical:
- House battery: Renogy 100 Ah AGM sealed maintenance-free deep cycle battery
- Battery charges from a Renogy 100W solar panel with 30A charge controller while parked
- Battery charges from the van’s alternator while driving. Battery isolator keeps the house and starter battery isolated when parked.
- 750/1500W power inverter
- Fridge/cooler drawer designed (and wired) to hold either a 12 volt chest-style fridge (like Dometic CFX 35) or a 35-45 liter cooler (like Yeti or Rtic)
- 2-zone dimmable lighting, dimmer switch-controlled (8 puck lights total)
- 4 usb plugs
- Voltmeter shows battery health and current charging voltage
- All wire connections have been soldered and heat-shrinked so that they don’t come undone and cause electrical issues with the vibrations of driving
Located in Northern California - Auburn, CA.